Bass keep spitting food out

[ruincccc]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

0

If yes, what is your nitrite?

0

If yes, what is your nitrate?

15

If I did not test my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

71-80%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every two weeks

If I do not change my water...

1. ...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

My bass has been struggling with taking food for about a month, he’s been hungry for sure, but couldn’t take any food be it pellets, frozen fish pieces or night crawlers, as if he was having pain swallowing them down. I finally got to net him out today, nothing suspicious as I took a look down his mouth but noticed swollen redness around his belly area. He seems fine otherwise , just pretty inactive sitting in his corner. Could it be anything internal? I can try API general or any med that you would recommend. Thanks!

 

[danotaylor]

He doesn't look to have lost too much condition which i good. The redness on the fins could be an early indicator of something bacterial trying to brew. I would keep the water clean, try to get you nitrate param's to 5 and add salt at 1tbsp/1gal. Keep that concentration for 10-14 days replacing salt with each water change, then let it dilute out. with your water changes.

 

[ruincccc]

He doesn't look to have lost too much condition which i good. The redness on the fins could be an early indicator of something bacterial trying to brew. I would keep the water clean, try to get you nitrate param's to 5 and add salt at 1tbsp/1gal. Keep that concentration for 10-14 days replacing salt with each water change, then let it dilute out. with your water changes.

Thanks for the reply. I didn’t notice anything obvious either, but he’s obviously changed his behavior as he used to swim around the entire 440Gal but now has been sitting in a corner all day long. He doesn’t seem to have lost much weight at least not from appearance, could it be anything related to his digestive system?

 

[danotaylor]

I’m thinking it could be an aeromonas infection which causes hemorrhagic disorder in the fish.
I would separate to a hospital tank with clean water, active biofilter and lots of aeration and treat with kanamycin or nitrofurazone. Keep the temp in 76-78°F
Given it’s been symptomatic for about a month I think you need to treat aggressively at this point to try to save it.
All the best mate

 

[shern]

I’m thinking it could be an aeromonas infection which causes hemorrhagic disorder in the fish.
I would separate to a hospital tank with clean water, active biofilter and lots of aeration and treat with kanamycin or nitrofurazone. Keep the temp in 76-78°F
Given it’s been symptomatic for about a month I think you need to treat aggressively at this point to try to save it.
All the best mate

if the redness starts to splotch and or spread to the full body, it can also possibly septicemia.

i personally would keep parasite killers or dewormers on hand like praziquantel or expel-p